The AI Agency Journey

Guest: Jess Orr – ex-Toyota engineer, former corporate OpEx leader and VP of Operations Summary: In this episode, Jess and Antonio connect the dots between Operational Excellence and Artificial Intelligence. Jess shares what she learned at Toyota, in a successful divisional OpEx transformation, in a failed enterprise-wide rollout, and later as VP of Operations — and how all of that experience shapes how she thinks about AI today. The core message: OpEx and CI professionals are uniquely positioned to lead AI efforts because they already know how to define problems, find constraints, and drive cultural change. Starting with tools — whether it’s Lean tools or AI tools — almost always fails. Antonio then introduces the concept of AI Business Audits as a structured way for consultants to partner with clients, identify their real bottlenecks, and use AI for brainstorming, solution design, and ROI modeling, instead of jumping blindly into “doing AI.” 3–5 Key Takeaways: Toyota vs everyone else: Toyota embedded continuous improvement in everyone’s job, while many companies try to bolt on CI through tools without a culture to sustain it. Tools don’t fix culture. Rolling out 5S, DMS, or even AI tools without leadership alignment and clear “why” leads to shallow adoption and failed transformations. Consultants as capability builders, not crutches. External consultants are most valuable when they build internal capability and mentor internal champions — not when they become permanent life support. OpEx + AI is a natural pairing. CI practitioners already know how to map value streams, find constraints, and run structured problem solving. AI simply gives them superpowers if used correctly. AI Business Audits are the bridge. Starting from constraints and problems, then using AI to explore options and quantify ROI, is a far better path than “Let’s try some AI tools and see what happens.” Links: Book an AI Business Audit with Antonio / Ibero AI: https://calendar.app.google/HahxbRKD77n3KiU9A Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessorr/ Connect with Antonio on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-rothenbach-99685110 Podcast show on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyVgVZd7jUlpcp4mwtNMbXlv8D_8CB3Ch&si=JI3iG6LZp6gQT7Va

Guest: Dave Rosenberg, Principal at Locked On Leadership Summary: In this episode, Dave shares 35+ years of leadership experience—from Navy officer to company president to leadership coach—and how his Radical Accountability framework helps leaders turn disengaged employees into energized contributors. Together, Antonio and Dave explore how AI tools can complement human coaching, fostering self-awareness, delegation, and engagement. Top 3 Takeaways: Leadership gaps = business gaps. Most operational problems stem from cultural and leadership breakdowns. Radical Accountability drives engagement. Clear systems, communication, and shared purpose unlock higher performance. AI as a coaching ally. Used right, AI helps structure thinking and reflection without replacing intuition or empathy. Quote: “My mission is to help every team member say ‘Thank God It’s Monday.’ That’s when you know leadership is working.” 🗓️ Book a 20-min AI Business Audit : https://calendar.app.google/y4z3RGmK2n2KHfzMA

Host: Antonio Rothenbach, Founder & CEO of Ibero AI Guest: Donna Huntley, CEO of People Pulse Ventures Episode Summary: Fear is one of the biggest barriers to AI adoption — and it’s costing companies growth, innovation, and talent. In this conversation, Antonio and Donna break down how to replace fear with confidence through training, governance, and culture. Donna shares stories from her 20+ years in HR consulting — from early digital hiring systems to leading change at Accenture — and offers practical strategies for leaders who want to bring AI into their organizations without losing the human touch. Connect with Donna: - www.peoplepulseventures.com - Call/text: 803-836-0306 Connect with Antonio: - www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-rothenbach-99685110/ Subscribe to The AI Agency Journey Podcast: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0lXZkUqO2RIkN7vTO1C2p7?si=25f17d152e6040e7 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-agency-journey/id1788580727

Read the blog article here: https://www.beltcourse.com/blog/linkedin-growth-that-lands-ai-opex-ci-clients-without-gaming-the-algorithm A detailed guide for Artificial Intelligence (AI), Operational Excellence (OpEx), and Continuous Improvement (CI) consultants on leveraging LinkedIn for client acquisition. It outlines a strategic playbook for creating content that resonates with B2B buyers, emphasizing observable signals for distribution rather than trying to outsmart the algorithm. Key areas covered include optimizing post engagement, crafting impactful content formats, and using LinkedIn's native features to maximize reach. The guide also offers practical advice on posting frequency, avoiding common mistakes, and measuring success through relevant metrics, aiming to help consultants generate qualified leads and conversations.

This episode explores the evolving landscape of continuous improvement leadership and identifies significant skill deficiencies across various sectors. It highlights universal gaps in areas like digital transformation leadership and data analytics, while also detailing industry-specific needs for Industrial Advanced (e.g., automotive, medical devices), Industrial (e.g., pharmaceuticals, food & beverage), and Supply Chain professionals. The analysis proposes tailored coaching programs designed to address these gaps, emphasizing technical, leadership, and strategic competencies. Coaching Programs for Industrial Advanced Digital Transformation: Transition to lead a Digital and Artificial Intelligence Transformation from start to finish! Click here to learn more. DMAIC and AI-Assisted Process Improvement: Master the DMAIC methodology and AI-enhanced analytics to become the go-to process improvement leader! Click here to learn more. Innovation Launch Mastery: Master FMEA, Digital Twins, and Agile Innovation to become the launch leader who delivers on time, on budget, and exceeds expectations! Click here to learn more. Coaching Programs for Industrial Achieving Stability (Focus on Stability and Sustainment): Solidify your teams' ability to sustain improvements with the use of control plans, proper communication, report-outs, Layered Audits, and more! Click here to learn more. A3 Problem-Solving (RCA, First Projects in your A3): lead projects, using A3 Problem-Solving and Job-Specific pathways dependent on your opportunities! Click here to learn more. Lean Leader: Start using Lean methodologies and tools (VSM, 5S, QCO, TPM, DMS, Kaizen, JIT, Poke Yoke, etc.) to transform your value streams. Click here to learn more. Kaizen Leader: Be fully prepared to lead a Kaizen Event to make sustainable improvements quickly, without wasted efforts! Click here to learn more. Coaching Programs for Supply Chain Digital Transformation: Transition to lead a Digital and Artificial Intelligence Transformation from start to finish! Click here to learn more. Supply Chain Management (SCM) Leader: Achieve stability and advance into Proactive Supply Chain Management This Year! Click here to learn more. Strategic Planning (Hoshin Kanri + Value Stream Mapping, Bottleneck, OEE & Loss Analysis): Build your Strategic Plans, aligning goals with resources, without taking years to get better at it! Click here to learn more.